Driver Safety

Driver safety, particularly around schools, is just as important as pedestrian safety. There are a number of rules to follow around schools and keep in mind that fines are severely higher around schools.

Always practice these Rules to keep our children safe.

Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits, both in school zones and in neighborhoods surrounding the school.

Comply with local school drop-off and pick-up procedures for the safety of all children accessing the school.

Avoid double parking or stopping on crosswalks to let children out of the car. Double parking will block visibility for other children and other motorists. Visibility is further reduced during the rain and fog seasons, so be extra careful during these times.

Avoid loading or unloading children at locations across the street from the school. This forces youngsters to unnecessarily cross busy streets.

Prepare to stop for a school bus when overhead yellow lights are flashing. Drive with caution when you see yellow hazard warning lights are flashing on a moving or stopped bus.

Stop for a school bus when its red overhead lights are flashing, regardless of the direction from which the driver is approaching. Drivers must not proceed until the school bus resumes motion and the red lights stop flashing, or until signaled by the school bus driver to proceed.

Watch for children walking or bicycling (both on the road and the sidewalk) in areas near a school.

Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops. Watch for children arriving late for the bus, who may dart into the street without looking for traffic.

Watch for children walking or biking to school when backing up (out of a driveway or leaving a garage).

Bicyclists have responsibilities, just as drivers do.

Drivers can coexist more peacefully with bicyclists. But for you drivers, here are some rules of the road for driving near bicyclists.

Appreciate Bicyclist Vulnerability: A car weighs 2 tons or so, while the average bike is a mere 20 pounds.

Adjust That Attitude: Motorists tend to think of cyclists as ”in their way”. Rather, they should think of them as equals, just as entitled to the roadway as drivers are.

Consider the Benefits of Bicycling — for Drivers: One cyclist on the road is one less car. Cyclists don’t wear out the road, (which means fewer potholes for you), lessen traffic congestion, and don’t pollute.

Spare Them the Right Hook: Intersections are venues for serious car-cycle collisions. Drivers making right turns should especially watch out for cyclists. . If you don’t signal your right turn, you could wind up hitting each other. If you are trying to figure out if a nearby cyclist is planning to turn, look for his raised left arm in a squared position or an extended left arm. (picture here would be great). Squared position = signal for right turn ; extended right arm = signal for left turn.

Look Around — but Not at Your Phone: Drivers who have hit cyclists almost always say the same frightening, sobering thing: “I never saw him before I hit him.” If drivers only expect other cars on the road, they’re setting themselves up for dangerous interactions. Start looking out for everybody, including other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

Accept That Bicyclists Are Here To Stay: Bicycling is on the rise. People are taking it up for exercise or to reduce commuting costs. It’s time to make peace with them — forever.